River levels monitored for rain threat

SCOTLAND'S flooding watchdog is monitoring river levels as temperatures rise and a thaw sets in.

Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) say an increased risk of localised flooding is on the cards, with a likely steady rise in river levels across the country.

The Met Office is forecasting higher temperatures for the next few days with no overnight frosts at lower levels. Areas with rain will also see a more rapid thaw and this may lead to localised flooding problems.

A weather system approaching from the south west will bring heavy rain from late today through Saturday.

James Curran, SEPA's director of science and strategy, said: "As of 11.30am yesterday, there are five flood watches in place for Edinburgh and Lothian, Orkney and Falkirk rivers, the Scottish Borders and the Kyle of Sutherland and local responders are in place, ready to act on flood threats."